11 Business Ideas For Photographers [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: September 26th, 2024

Are you a photographer looking to expand your horizons in 2024? With your skills behind the camera, there are numerous ways you could turn your passion into a profitable business. Whether you're interested in branching out into new markets or diversifying your current offerings, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you.

In this article, we'll explore some practical business ideas tailored specifically for photographers. From teaching photography workshops to starting a stock photo portfolio, you'll discover various paths to enhance your income. Dive in and find inspiration for your next entrepreneurial venture.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other photographer businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Starting a stock photography business can be an excellent way to supplement your income as a photographer, especially if you already have a portfolio of high-quality images. By licensing your photos for marketing and advertising purposes, you create a potentially passive stream of revenue that leverages work you've already done. This business model allows you to reach a wide audience, from website owners to bloggers, who need professional images for their content.

To begin, you'll need to invest in quality photography gear and focus on creating versatile stock photos that appeal to various clients. A strong online presence can boost your sales and help you attract more buyers, leading to higher profitability. For more insights on profitability and marketing ideas, check out Starter Story's resources here.

Why start a stock photography business?

You could earn passive income by licensing your existing photos for various uses.
It enables you to reach a broad market, from individual bloggers to large businesses.
Building a stock photography portfolio helps you showcase your work and attract more opportunities.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

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2. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

Starting an online course sales business could be an ideal avenue for photographers looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or even build a full-fledged business. As someone skilled in photography, you could create courses on various aspects of photography, such as techniques, equipment, lighting, and post-processing. With the e-learning market expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, the potential for earning passive income by reaching a wide audience is substantial.

Why start an online course sales business?

You can generate passive income by creating a high-quality course that continues to sell over time.
It allows you to share your unique skills and expertise in photography, opening new doors for income generation.
The e-learning market is booming, making it a great time to get involved and leverage your knowledge for profit.

For more information and to see some success stories, visit Starter Story.

How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.

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3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel might be an excellent venture to supplement your income as a photographer. By leveraging your expertise in photography, you could create engaging content such as tutorials, behind-the-scenes vlogs, or reviews that attract a dedicated audience. This platform not only allows you to share your passion but also opens up opportunities for revenue through ad placements, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Building a successful channel demands consistency, quality content, and audience engagement. Learning about video SEO and social media promotion can further enhance your channel's visibility. With the potential for substantial financial rewards, a YouTube channel can be a compelling side business or even a primary source of income.

Explore how successful YouTube channels generate revenue.

Why start a YouTube channel?

You could monetize your passion for photography through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Sharing your expertise helps build a loyal audience and personal brand.
The flexibility and creative freedom to produce content that resonates with viewers is unparalleled.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.

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4. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Subscription box businesses offer photographers a unique opportunity to combine their artistic skills with entrepreneurship by delivering curated photography-related products directly to customers' doors. This could include themed photo prints, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, photography tips, and new gear or gadgets. Launching a subscription box service allows photographers to create a steady stream of recurring income and build deeper connections with their audience.

For more insights on how to start this venture, visit this subscription box business success stories page.

Why consider a subscription box business?

Provides a consistent and predictable revenue stream with monthly subscriptions.
Elevates your brand by offering exclusive, high-quality products that showcase your photography skills.
Allows you to reach a broader audience by providing value-added services beyond just photography sessions.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

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5. Start an employee training business ($43.6K/month)

Starting an employee training business can be a lucrative way for photographers to diversify their income streams and leverage their unique skill set. Photographers have a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of digital tools, and experience with creativity and communication—all essential skills for creating effective training programs. By entering the employee training sector, photographers can offer unique workshops on visual storytelling, creative problem-solving, or technical skills like digital asset management, thereby addressing a niche yet significant demand in the corporate world.

You can explore more about starting an employee training business and the various aspects involved, such as success stories and startup costs, on Starter Story.

Why consider an employee training business?

Companies are willing to invest in quality training programs to enhance employee performance.
As a photographer, your expertise in visual communication and detail can set your training programs apart.
You could create specialized, niche-oriented workshops that appeal to creative professionals and corporate clients alike.

For a deeper dive into the ins and outs of starting an employee training business, check out the pros and cons on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $160,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 62 days (?)

How We Built And Launched A Health Care Training Platform

VORTTX Training and Testing is a virtual emergency response training system generating 1% of its market potential of one hundred million dollars a year in its second year of full-time operation through utilizing email marketing, trade shows, trade events, referrals, personalized LinkedIn messages, and featuring testimonials from early adopters.

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6. Start a book shelf business

Looking for a unique way to blend your photography skills with a creative and practical business? Starting a bookshelf business could be a perfect fit. As a photographer, you already have an eye for design, which is crucial for crafting custom bookshelves that cater to diverse tastes and spaces. By designing and producing stunning storage solutions, you could meet the consistent demand from avid readers and interior designers alike, all while indulging in the joy of hands-on craftsmanship.

Why start a bookshelf business?

Utilize your design skills: Your photography background gives you a strong eye for aesthetics, a crucial asset in creating visually appealing bookshelves.
Consistent market demand: Everyone needs functional and stylish shelving, from book lovers to interior decorators.
Fulfillment and profitability: Crafting bookshelves combines creativity with practicality, making it a profitable and rewarding venture.

For more information on starting a bookshelf business, check out the success stories on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

How I Started A Six-Figure Niche Book Blog

OrderOfBooks.com is a website that lists books in both publication and chronological order and generates six-figure revenue after starting off as a resource for the founder and his friends, serving as a valuable resource for book readers.

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7. Start a waste recycling business ($165K/month)

If you have a passion for saving the planet and going green, starting a waste recycling business may be an intriguing option for you as a photographer. Waste recycling involves collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be trashed and converting them into new products. By delving into this business, you could not only supplement your income but also contribute to environmental sustainability.

Photographers often possess creative problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail, both of which are essential when innovating in the waste recycling industry. Research the industry, determine the initial costs, and equip your recycling facility to start this entrepreneurial venture. For more information on startup costs, you can visit Starter Story.

Why should photographers consider starting a waste recycling business?

You could utilize your creative problem-solving skills to identify innovative recycling solutions.
Your attention to detail can help ensure high standards in waste processing and product creation.
This business allows you to make a positive impact on the environment, complementing your passion for nature photography.

How much you can make: $100,000 — $230,000/month

How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)

How I Started A $41K/Month Residential Waste Removal Service

This case study showcases the story of a locally owned and operated residential waste removal business based in Colorado Springs started with a pick-up truck and a $35k loan, which now has 51 dumpsters, two roll-off dumpster delivery trucks, two residential garbage trucks, and is projecting $700-800k in sales for 2020.

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8. Start a biofuel production business

Venturing into biofuel production can be an innovative way for photographers to supplement their income or even establish a wholly new business. The skills of a photographer—like meticulous attention to detail, creativity, and a keen eye for quality—can be invaluable when scaling a biofuel production venture. Moreover, documenting the biofuel process through photography can serve as an exceptional marketing tool to attract environmental enthusiasts and customers who prioritize sustainability.

So, why should you consider starting a biofuel production business alongside your photography career? Check out the potential benefits below. You could also learn more about the costs and benefits here.

Why starting a biofuel production business?

It’s an eco-friendly venture. You'll be contributing to a sustainable future, aligning with values that many photographers cherish.
Additional income stream. Diversifying your business with biofuel production can provide financial stability and growth opportunities.
Marketing synergy. Use your photography skills to create compelling visual stories about your biofuel business, attracting more customers interested in green energy solutions.

9. Start a kayak rental business

Starting a kayak rental business could be an excellent side business for photographers, especially if you live near a lake or a water body. Kayak rentals are low-expense and can be managed with minimal personal involvement, allowing you to focus on your photography while generating extra income. By setting up appointments, you could effectively balance both ventures.

Why consider a kayak rental business?

Diversify your income. Supplement your photography business with another revenue stream that requires low overhead.
Leverage your creativity. Use your photography skills to create stunning marketing materials and social media content for your kayak rental business.
Flexible management. Operate by appointment to ensure the business remains passive, giving you more time for your photography projects.

For more insights, you could explore how to get started with your own kayak rental business.

10. Become a bitcoin domain name

As a photographer, venturing into the realm of bitcoin domain names can be a lucrative sideline or even a primary business. By starting a bitcoin domain name, you could tap into the expanding cryptocurrency market, giving your photography business a modern edge. This move can attract a tech-savvy clientele, opening up new opportunities for your photography services in the digital finance sphere.

Why start a bitcoin domain name?

Diversify your income streams by venturing into the growing cryptocurrency domain market.
Appeal to a broader, tech-savvy audience by adding a modern twist to your photography business.
Leverage your photography skills to create visually appealing websites for others in the cryptocurrency space.

11. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog can be a great way for photographers to diversify their income, share their expertise, and engage with a passionate community. By focusing on a specific topic such as travel photography, portrait photography tips, or gear reviews, you could attract a dedicated audience. This opens up opportunities to monetize through affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and sponsored content, effectively turning your blog into a sustainable side or full-time business.

If you're considering this route, you could explore more detailed insights and success stories of niche bloggers here.

Why starting a niche blog?

Share your unique perspective and skills, establishing yourself as an expert in a specific area of photography.
Generate multiple income streams through affiliate links, sponsored posts, and collaborations with brands.
Build a loyal audience who value your content, creating long-term growth potential and increased visibility for your work.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.

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Pat Walls